Rhachicephala dilatibia Truong, Zhao & Cai

Truong, Xuan Lam, Zhao, Ping & Cai, Wan Zhi, 2007, Notes on the subfamily Salyavatinae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Vietnam, with the description of a new genus, Zootaxa 1615, pp. 1-20 : 12-16

Rhachicephala dilatibia Truong, Zhao & Cai , sp. nov.

( Figs. 25–39 )

Description. Color. Body brown. Head, neck, scutellum, base of first antennal segment, second to fourth antennal segments, rostrum (except inner surface of first segment), anterior pronotal lobe (except glabrous sculptures), spots on connexivum, narrow median longitudinal stripe and apical portion of abdomen ventrally, thoracic sterna and pleura, coxae and trochanters, all spines (except spines on subapical portion of mid and hind femora beneath) dark brown to black; connexivum (except dark spots) yellowish; eyes dark purplish brown; posterior pronotal lobe brown with two pale longitudinal stripes sublaterally; hemelytra pale brown, with pale yellowish brown markings; first antennal segment (except base), femur (except subapical annulation) yellowish brown to brown; tibia (except apex, base and subbasal annulation) light yellowish brown. Most of abdomen beneath light brown.

Structure. Apical part of head, rostrum, thoracic pleura and sterna, scutellum, ventral surface of abdomen clothed with pubescence and suberect long setae; most of head, pronotum, corium clothed with adpressed yellowish bent short setae; antennae densely clothed with oblique short setae, third and fourth segments with several long setae; legs clothed with dense short setae and sparsely with long setae. Head subequal in length to posterior pronotal lobe; first antennal segment subequal in length to half of second; spine behind base of antenniferous tubercle strong, erect, long, subequal in length to one-third of first antennal segment; eyes large; ocelli small, interocellar space shorter than distance of ocellus to its ipsilateral eye; anterior lobe of head subequal in length to posterior, anterior lobe dorsally with a deep Y-shaped sulcus; rostrum curved, first rostral segment slightly shorter than or subequal in length to second, third shortest. Collar processes suberect, short. Pronotum wider than long, with a long deep median longitudinal sulcus (anteriorly extending to collar, posteriorly not reaching posterior margin); anterior pronotal lobe much shorter than posterior; anterior pronotal lobe with clear symmetrical sculptures; posterior pronotal lobe rugose; lateral pronotal angles laterally produced with suberect, long spines; posterolateral margins of pronotum slightly concave, posterior margin nearly straight; apical portion of scutellum with an erect long spine, postscutellum with a short spine ( Fig. 26 ). Fore coxa long and subequal in length to one-third of fore femur; fore tibia shorter than fore femur ( Figs. 28, 29 ), apical portion with a deep sulcus in which tarsus exactly laid; mid and hind femora subequal in length to tibiae; mid and hind femora beneath with a short spine subapically; hemelytron not extending to abdominal tip. Spines on posterior angles of connexivum moderately long, acute and directed backwards; connexivum slightly expanded. Pygophore oval, posterior margin broad and round ( Figs. 32, 33 ), median pygophore process directed upwards ( Fig. 33 ); paramere clavate and somewhat compressed, subbasal portion feebly bent, apex slightly acute and simply curved ( Figs. 34–36 ). Basal plate bridge thin, basal plate thick ( Fig. 37 ); pedicel broad and long ( Fig. 39 ); apical half of dorsal phallothecal sclerite anteriorly gradually narrow, apex broad and round ( Fig. 37 ); struts strong and mostly fused, separate only at base and apex, basal half raised ( Figs. 37–39 ); endosoma with two pale lobe midventrally and two spoon-shaped sclerites ventrolaterally, the latter shorter than half of phallosoma ( Figs. 37, 38 ).

Measurements [ď (n=5) / Ψ (n=4), holotype in parentheses]. Body length 11.57–13.14 / 13.57–13.86 (12.85); maximum width abdomen 3.71–4.14 / 3.85–4.57 (3.71). Length head 1.18–1.27 / 1.48–1.52 (1.25); length anteocular portion 0.38–0.44 / 0.46–0.54 (0.42); length postocular portion 0.33–0.37 / 0.42–0.51 (0.34); length synthlipsis 0.03 / 0.05(0.03); interocellar space 0.64–0.71 / 0.76–0.78 (0.68); length antennal segments I–IV= 2.41–2.42/ 2.24–2.64(2.41), 4.64–4.85/4.94–5.01(4.85), 1.16–1.27/1.21–1.38 (1.27), 1.10/ 1.14–1.20; length rostral segments I–III = 0.59–0.67/0.68 (0.64),0.64–0.71/0.72–0.74 (0.71),0.33–0.35/0.34– 0.36 (0.34); length anterior pronotal lobe 0.86–1.00 /1.03–1.10(1.00); length posterior pronotal lobe 1.31– 1.37/1.55–1.68 (1.34); maximal width thorax 2.78–3.03/2.96–3.17(2.86); length scutellum 0.76–0.83/0.86– 0.93(0.80); length hemelytron 7.85–8.28/8.85–9.71 (8.14).

Material examined. Holotype, ď, Vietnam, Ninh Thuan Province, Ninh Hai District, Da Thao-Da Nhay, 700 m, 23.VI.2004, Xuan Lam Truong leg ( IEBR). Paratypes, 1 Ψ, Vietnam, Dong Nai Province, Cat Tien National Park, 24.X.2002, Xuan Lam Truong leg ( IEBR); 2 ď, 1 Ψ, Vietnam, Dong Nai Province, Cat Tien National Park, 25.IX.2004, Xuan Lam Truong leg ( IEBR); 2 ď, Vietnam, Tay Ninh, Lo Go National Park, 8.XI.2003, Xuan Lam Truong leg ( CAU); 1 Ψ, Vietnam, Tay Ninh, Lo Go National Park, 6.XI.2003, Xuan Lam Truong leg ( CAU). 1 Ψ, Vietnam, Tay Ninh, Lo Go National Park, 7.XI.2003, Xuan Lam Truong leg ( CAU).

4. Genus Va le n ti a Stål, 1866

Valentia Stål, 1866a: 144 . Type species by subsequent designation ( Stål, 1866b: 166): Petalocheirus apetalus Vuillefroy, 1864: 142 . Putshkov & Putshkov 1985: 98; 1995: 208; Maldonado-Capriles 1990: 489.

Diagnostic characters. Body of medium size, somewhat slender, dull. Anteocular part much shorter than postocular, first antennal segment distinctly longer than head; first rostral segment subequal to or slightly shorter than second. Collar processes not developed. Lateral pronotal angles and apex of scutellum spinous ( Figs. 40–41 , 53–54 ); prosternum anteriorly with two tubercles ( Figs. 41 , 54 ). Fore femora straight; fore tibiae anteriorly ampliated and compressed, apex broad ( Figs. 40 , 42 , 53 , 55 ); femora beneath subapically with a short spine; posterior angle of each connexival segment spinous.

Key to Vietnamese species of the genus Va le n ti a Stål

1. Fore tibia gradually strongly dilated from base to apex for its entire length ( Figs. 40 , 42 ); fore femora nearly as long as fore tibiae; ventral surface of abdomen with black median longitudinal stripe; second antennal segment unicolored; anterior angle of prosternum round with a small tubercule ( Fig. 41 )............ ............................................................................................................................. Valentia compressipes Stål

-. Fore tibia with basal half thin and apical half gradually dilated ( Figs. 53 , 55 ); fore femora slightly longer than fore tibiae; ventral surface of abdomen without black median longitudinal stripe; subapical portion of second antennal segment orange to pale yellowish brown ( Fig. 53 ); anterior angle of prosternum anteriorly with obtuse spine ( Fig. 54 ) ............................................................................ Valentia hoffmanni China

Valentia compressipes Stål, 1874 ( Figs. 40–52 )

Valentia compressipes Stål, 1874: 82 ; Hsiao et al. 1981: 417. Putshkov & Putshkov 1995: 208; Maldonado-Capriles 1990: 489.

Redescription. Color. Body dull yellowish brown; head, anterior pronotal lobe, propleural episternum, meso- and metapleura, thoracic sterna, scutellum, most of coxae, abdominal tip, lateral pronotal spines, thin median longitudinal stripe of abdomen ventrally, posterior half of connexival segments (including spines) black; posterior pronotal lobe, propleural epimeron dark brown; second to fourth antennal segments blackish brown; first antennal segment, rostrum, trochanter, all femora (except indistinct subapical annulation), mid and hind tibiae (except indistinct annular markings) yellowish brown; two obscure median annulations of mid and hind tibiae, an indistinct subapical annular stripe of femur pale yellowish brown; fore tibia (except basal portion and apical portions), coxal cavity of fore leg yellowish; ventral surface of abdomen (except median longitudinal stripe) yellowish brown to dull yellowish brown; hemelytra dull brown, with pale yellowish brown markings.

Structure. Ventral surface of head, thoracic pleura and sterna, ventral surface of abdomen, coxae clothed with white pubescence; dorsal surface of head, pronotum (except glabrous sculptures), scutellum clothed with yellowish pubescence; basal antennal segment with sparse short setae, second segment with moderately dense short setae, two apical segments with short setae and several long setae; legs with dense short setae and oblique long setae. Head cylindrical and somewhat long, with a very short tuberculate process behind antenniferous tubercles; anterior lobe of head slightly longer than posterior; first antennal segment slightly longer than pronotum; first rostral segment extending beyond posterior margin of eyes, each segment of rostrum nearly of even length; eyes large and laterally protruded. Collar processes small and conical; pronotum slightly wider than long, with median longitudinal sulcus ( Fig. 40 ); anterior pronotal lobe much shorter than posterior; lateral pronotal angle with suberect long spine produced laterally; posterior lobe somewhat rugose; anterior angle of prosternum round, each side with a small tubercle; apical spine of scutellum long, suberect, apex slightly pointed backwards ( Fig. 41 ); fore tibia gradually broadened from base to apex ( Fig. 42 ); fore tibia slightly longer than fore femur. Forewing nearly reaching abdominal tip. Pygophore oval, posterior margin broad and round; paramere clubbed and not compressed, apex curved and with a small process ( Figs. 47– 49 ). Basal plate bridge thin and longer than basal plate, basal plate thick; pedicel broad and relatively short, struts mostly fused, straight, long and nearly extending to tip of phallosoma, apart at base, apex relatively widely separated ( Figs. 50–52 ); dorsal phallothecal sclerite relatively somewhat broad and round apically; endosoma with two spoon-shaped sclerites ventrolaterally ( Fig. 52 ).

Measurements [ď (n=4)/ Ψ (n=3)]. Body length 14.39–16.01 / 17.12–18.64; maximum width abdomen 3.89–4.46 / 4.99–5.59. Length head 2.00–2.10 / 2.21–2.57; length anteocular portion 0.42–0.47 / 0.45–0.63; length postocular portion 0.95–1.05 /1.05–1.16; length synthlipsis 0.79–0.84/0.79–1.05; interocellar space 0.18–0.21/0.18–0.21; length antennal segments I–IV= 3.05–3.41 / 3.07–3.62, 5.93–6.14 / 5.25–6.72,? / 1.39,? / 1.16; length rostral segments I–III =0.95–0.97 / 1.00–1.21, 0.89–0.95 / 1.00–1.16, 0.68–0.71 / 0.71–0.79; length anterior pronotal lobe 0.95–1.05 / 1.00–1.16; length posterior pronotal lobe 1.58–1.84 / 2.10–2.36; maximal width thorax 3.07–3.26 / 3.68–4.15; length scutellum 0.95–1.00 / 0.95–1.16; length hemelytron 10.03–11.34 / 11.81–13.13.

Material examined: 1 Ψ, Vietnam, Dong Nai Province, Cat Tien National Park, 26.IX.2004, Xuan Lam Truong leg ( IEBR); 2 ď, China, Yunnan, Mengyang, 800m, 5.V.1991, Cai Wanzhi leg ( CAU); 2 Ψ, China, Yunnan, Menglun, 28, 20.V.1991, Cai Wanzhi leg ( CAU); 1 ď, China, Yunnan, Menghai, 30.V.1991, Cai Wanzhi leg ( CAU); 1 ď, China, Yunnan, Mengla, 580 m, 14.V.1991, Cai Wanzhi leg ( CAU).

Distribution: China, Vietnam.

Notes: We have only one specimen of this species from Vietnam. The study of the species is partly based on Chinese specimens.

Figures

FIGURE 25. Rhachicephala dilatibia Truong, Zhao & Cai, sp. nov., ♂, habitus. Scale bar = 1.82 mm.

FIGURES 26 – 39. Rhachicephala dilatibia Truong, Zhao & Cai, sp. nov., ♂. 26, Head, pronotum and scutellum, antennae partly removed; 27, fore leg; 28 – 29, fore leg (part); 30 – 31, apical portion of abdomen; 32, 33, pygophore; 34 – 36, paramere; 37 – 39, phallus; 26, 30, 33, 39, lateral view; 31, 32, 38, ventral view; 37, dorsal view. Scale bar of 26 – 31 = 1.00 mm; of 32, 33 = 0.25 mm; of 34 – 39 = 0.30 mm.

FIGURE 40. Valentia compressipes Stål, ♂, habitus. Scale bar = 2.35 mm.

FIGURES 41 – 52. Valentia compressipes Stål, ♂. 41, Head, pronotum and scutellum, antennae partly removed; 42, fore leg (part); 43, 44, apical portion of abdomen; 45, 46, pygophore; 47 – 49, paramere; 50 – 52, phallus; 41, 44, 45, 51, lateral view; 43, 46, 52, ventral view; 50, dorsal view. Scale bar of 41 – 44 = 0.625 mm; of 45, 46 = 0.25 mm; of 47 – 52 = 0.40 mm.

FIGURE 53. Valentia hoffmanni China, ♂, habitus. Scale bar = 2.50 mm.

FIGURES 54 – 65. Valentia hoffmanni China, ♂. 54, Head, pronotum and scutellum, antennae partly removed; 55, fore leg (part); 56 – 57, apical portion of abdomen; 58 – 59, pygophore; 60 – 62, paramere; 63 – 65, phallus; 54, 56, 58, 63, lateral view; 57, 59, 65, ventral view; 64, dorsal view. Scale bar of 54 – 57 = 0.625 mm; of 58, 59 = 0.25 mm; of 60 – 65 = 0.40 mm.